Wi-Fi calling (also known as "voice over WiFi" or VoWiFi) is a technology that allows for cell phones to fall back to Wi-Fi networks to place and receive calls and text messages when cellular signal is lacking.

For nomads who are often in weak signal areas, with Wi-Fi calling enabled your phone will still work as normal even if it has no useable cellular signal, as long as a hotspot is in range.

And now with Verizon on board - all four of the major carriers have embraced this technology!

Wi-Fi Calling on Verizon

Verizon is unfortunately starting slow - and initially only two phones will be supported:

Wi-Fi Calling will initially be available on the Samsung Galaxy S 6 and Samsung Galaxy S 6 Edge and will be rolled out as a software update in phases. Additional Android and iOS devices will receive Wi-Fi Calling capabilities via future software updates expected early next year.

To activate Wi-Fi Calling on Android, customers must first download and install the latest software update and turn on Advanced Calling from the settings menu. Once Advanced Calling is enabled, customers can activate Wi-Fi Calling. When a customer uses Advanced Calling on our 4G LTEnetwork and travels outside of coverage, the call will seamlessly transfer to a known Wi-Fi hotspot when available.

The software update enabling Wi-Fi calling will be available starting December 8th, if you have a compatible phone.

The Verizon Messages app for Android and iOS has also been recently updated to allow Verizon customers to make and receive calls using their Verizon number over Wi-Fi on a wider ranger of devices (including tablets and PCs and Macs), but it is not integrated seamlessly into the regular phone dialer experience, and reportedly is a very clunky experience.

Why Wi-Fi Calling Rocks For RVers

To help ensure better coverage while traveling, a lot of RVers keep multiple carriers on board so that there is a better chance of at least one being able to get connected.

With Wi-Fi calling - if your phones on one carrier have no signal but your hotspot on another does, your voice calls will still go through. As long as one carrier in your rig is working and able to create a hotspot, you are good to go.

And even if you do not embrace multiple carriers - for those who have cellular boosters, a booster in the tech cabinet will help your hotspot and router stay connected, while at the same time a phone in your pocket or on your desk may be lacking cellular signal entirely.

But with Wi-Fi calling - your pocket will still ring, and you will not miss a call!

Chris has been a full-time technomad since 2006, and currently splitting time exploring North America by boat and RV with his partner Cherie.
A lifelong geek, he was one of the founding editors of 'boot Magazine' (still going strong as 'Maximum PC'), and before hitting the road full time he was the Director of Competitive Analysis for mobile technology pioneers Palm & PalmSource.
Keeping up on mobile technology is a passion for him. Chris is one part of Technomadia (view their personal Mobile Internet Setup) and co-founder/host of the Mobile Internet Resource Center.

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